The Styled Shoot
PLAYBOOK A practical guide to planning wedding shoots that get you published
y
F RO M T HE EDIT ORS OF
The Wedding Playbook B L OG & MAGAZ INE
WHAT'S INSIDE Whether you’re ready to start planning your first shoot or want to take your concepts to the next level, this guide is packed with insider tips.
WHO I S T HIS E- BOOK FOR? Photographers, stylists, florists, venues, dress designers, hair and makeup artists…anyone who wants to create a wedding styled shoot to showcase their business.
WHA T IS A ST YLED SHOOT ? It's a collaboration between a team of wedding suppliers who contribute their time and resources to deliver a creative concept which showcases their products and services.
WHA T ARE T HE BENEFIT S? - Build relationships with local suppliers - Create content for your website and social media - Share new ideas and upcoming trends - Get featured in blogs and magazines - Get people talking about your business
HO W D O ES T HIS E- BOOK HELP? You’ll find step-by-step tips, templates, checklists and worksheets for every part of the process, from coming up with the perfect concept to coordinating a stress-free shoot day and submitting the finished product to blog and magazine editors.
THE CONCEPT.................... 06 Finding the right idea Creating a mood board THE TEAM.......................... 10 Forming your team Sending invitations Invitation templates Frequently asked THE LEAD UP..................... 17 Working together THE MODELS..................... 20 TFP vs agency models Styling your models SHOOT DAY....................... 25 Keeping time Sample schedule Telling a story SUBMISSIONS.................... 31 Finding the right fit Pitching your shoot Writing your summary Submission checklist Submission template PROMOTION...................... 40 Getting the word out
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Kathy and Danielle have collaborated with over 150 creatives on more than 20 styled shoot concepts. Their work has been published in local and international wedding publications including 100 Layer Cake, The Perfect Palette and Modern Wedding. As the editors of The Wedding Playbook, they know what publishers look for when reviewing submissions for blog and magazine features. THE WED DINGPLAYBOOK.COM
DON’T WAIT
for the opportunity
BECOME
the opportunity
Step One
THE CONCEPT
A strong concept keeps your project focused and inspires your fellow suppliers, couples and editors. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just a launching point. It's easier to start a discussion with an initial idea than a blank page! If you want your shoot to stand out in the submission pile, you need to give editors plenty of details to share. Many submitted shoots feature a model, wedding dress, bouquet, hair and makeup. These can be an asset to your portfolio but difficult to get published by blogs and magazines due to their limited scope. At a minimum, your shoot should include a ceremony and reception setting, stationery suite, cake display, flowers, wedding dress and/or suiting, accessories, hair and makeup. Other details you can include for wow factor are a lounge space, bar or dessert table. However you may want to wait until you have a few shoots under your belt before adding these elements!
BIG IDEAS
have small beginnings
SAMPLE SCHEDULE This is one of our recent shoot timelines with a female model wearing two looks.
11:30pm
Coordinator, photographer, planner, stylist, florist, stationery and fashion arrive.
12:30pm
Bump in complete. Coordinator, styling team and photographer confirm best location for ceremony and reception based on conditions on the day. Styling team begins ceremony setup. Photographer shoots stationery and bouquet.
1:00pm
Model, hair and makeup artist arrive. Coordinator conducts a fitting with the model and selects a ceremony and reception look. Accessories, hair and makeup are confirmed for each look. Option 1: If model is ready and ceremony setup still in progress, shoot model portraits first. When ceremony is ready, shoot the model in the setting and then the details.
2:30pm
Option 2: If ceremony is ready but model still in progress, shoot the details first. While ceremony being captured, styling team begin reception and cake display setup.
4:00pm
4:30pm
Reception setup completed. Styling team packs down ceremony. Model fashion and hair change. Photographer shoots cake display. Option 1: If model is ready and reception still in progress, shoot model portraits first. When reception ready, shoot with model and then follow with details. Option 2: If reception ready but model still in progress, shoot reception details first.
6:00pm
Styling team pack down reception once captured. Add an extra hour to this schedule for additional bar and lounge settings if required. Remain in same dress and hair.
7:00pm
Bump out complete.
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT If you ask editors what their number one tip is for a successful submission, most will answer, “Make sure the style of your shoot fits the style of our publication�. Here are six questions that will help you figure whether you're a perfect match!
Does this publication reach the audience you want to market to?
1
3
Do you connect with the way they write and present their features?
2
Are you comfortable with their exclusivity terms and publishing timeframes? Do the details you captured look at home alongside their recent features?
5
4
Does your style of photography fit seamlessly in their social media feed? Do you like the way they promote their features?
6
CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW
THEWEDDINGPLAYBOOK.COM/STYLED-SHOOT-PLAYBOOK